1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.

2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.

3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.

Soften an old fork

I have one question. Older model forks like the RST 381R use elastomers/springs. Mine fells very stiff. If I take the elastomers/springs out from the ONE leg will it work? I was reading an old mtb magazine saying that somebody took off the spring and oil from a marzocchi fork, instead of putting softer spring and it worked great. What do you think?

Since those older forks were designed to have springs in each leg, removing one side would make that side compress much much easier than the other. This might make that un-sprung side compress on small bumps while the other side didn't. You could end up with a wheel that tilted sideways on each bump and the force that used to be absorbed by the second spring would be transmitted to the sprung side via the brake arch. Because that arch was never designed for that extra force it could end up snapping.

Because that arch was never designed for that extra force it could end up snapping.

I'd be more worried about the axle. Way back when I saw a number of broken axles due to blown seals in oil damped forks. Forks sure have come a long way from bolt-on arches and hubs that where basically designed for road bikes.

Re softening the old fork... sorry but I think that one is done. Elastomers wear out, and if the manufacturer isn't supporting them anymore, you are pretty much SOL, unless of course you can work out some way to use currently available parts in there. Even NOS elsatomers might not work as they do degrade over time.